If you have hemorrhoids, chance are you know that there's a natural approach on treating it. In almost every natural supplement, you usually will see this name, Witch Hazel. No, it's not something medieval, or burned at a stake, it's a plant. Hamamelis virginiana to be exact. Now what do this plant have to do with hemorrhoids? We'll delve deeper to see what makes the witch ticks.

Originally this plant is used by the native American for many kinds of medicine. The medicine is extracted by steaming the twig of the shrub. Makes you wonder how they found it in the first place, eh? But nevertheless, The Doctors Book of Home Remedies explained that it's good for cuts and abrasions. Further studies revealed that the plant can be used as an astringent.

What is an astringent?

Astringent basically means that it's a substance that has the property to shrink or keeping body tissue together. Meaning it holds the softer tissue of our body together, much needed in hemorrhoids. Astringent cause the mucous membranes or externally exposed tissue to shrink. This means that it can be used in a broad range, from throat sores, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, or anything involving the soft tissue of the body. In the case of hemorrhoids, it soothes the infected area, also reduce the swelling of the prolapsed area. More importantly, it also serve to stop blood flow to the anal veins. This can make the symptoms worse.

So witch hazel does not exactly witch your hemorrhoids away, it reduces the annoying uncomfortness associated with hemorrhoids by the plant properties as an astringent. No wonder it's an ingredient found in almost every natural cure or supplement for hemorrhoids. But just this won't cut it if you want to heal it properly.